Three writers have been hired for Star Trek 3; Set to release in 2016

Good news, Star Trek fans! Paramount has hired three writers to get started immediately on STAR TREK 3.

J.D. Payne and Patrick McKay will join Robert Orci, who took part on writing the first two installments. So technically they only had to hire two but three guys still have the job. Before it was Orci writing with Alex Kurtzman and Damon Lindelof. You may not be familiar with Payne and McKay but they have a previous relationship with JJ Abrams, and wrote the adaptation of the graphic novel BOILERPLATE from Paul Guinan and Anina Bennett.

Abrams traded in STAR TREK 3 for STAR WARS: EPISODE VII which I really can't blame him for doing. "Hey JJ, wanna do another STAR TREK or STAR WARS?" Yeah, not a hard choice. Abrams is still on as producer though. But old news is old news so let's move on

Here's the other kicker, the studio wants to move on this in order to get it released in 2016 right on time for the 50th anniversary of STAR TREK. Expect all the regulars like Chris Pine, Zachary Quinto, and Zoe Saldana to come back.

Word is that Joe Cornish is at the top of the list to direct the third installment. This I have no issue with especially after seeing ATTACK THE BLOCK.